Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that develops when your leg veins have trouble sending blood from your legs back up to your heart, causing blood to pool in your legs.
CVI can cause pain, swelling, cramps, varicose veins, and even leg ulcers. These symptoms tend to get worse when the person stands or sits for long periods of time or when gravity works against the blood in the legs.
To learn more about CVI, here are some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the condition:
Q: Is venous insufficiency a common condition?
Yes. In fact, some 80 million people in the U.S. have some form of venous disorder, according to the American College of Phlebology. It affects men and women of all ages and all activity levels, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age. Moreover, it is particularly common among people whose jobs keep them on their feet for long periods of time.
Q: What causes venous insufficiency?
There are a variety of factors that can lead to this condition. These include genetics, environmental risks, and pregnancy.
Q: What are the complications associated with venous insufficiency?
Venous disease is a progressive disease, and its symptoms increase over time. Without treatment, it can lead to the following complications:
- Lipodermosclerosis (a disease of the skin and connective tissue)
- An increased risk of superficial venous thrombophlebitis (clotting in the superficial veins that causes severe pain and incapacitation)
- Spontaneous bleeding of an exposed or injured vein
- Ulceration
Q: Is there a cure for venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous disease is incurable, but it is treatable. Treatment for CVI includes medications, sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy, and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).
Also known as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT™) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), EVLA is used to treat large varicose veins in the legs, causing them to collapse and eventually disappear and allowing blood to be diverted to other healthy veins in the leg.
Phlebectomy is performed to remove smaller, superficial veins; and sclerotherapy, which is performed with ultrasound guidance, is done to seal the vein wall of small varicose veins and allow them to fade.
Q: How successful are these treatments?
When performed by an experienced phlebologist, laser and RF ablation procedures have high initial and long-term success rates: 97 and 98 percent after five years, respectively.
Q: Are there any risks associated with endovenous laser therapy?
As with any medical procedure, endovenous therapy does carry risks, but they are extremely low. These include infection, sepsis, and blood clots. However, infections occur in less than 1 percent of patients, and there are currently no reported mortalities as a result of endovenous procedures.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for endovenous treatment?
Hardly. Endovenous treatment can be performed on patients of any age. Of course, thorough health history and physical exam are necessary prior to the treatment to confirm that the patient is a suitable candidate.
Q: Can I still receive treatment if I’m on blood thinners or pain medications?
Yes. In fact, taking these types of medications can be advantageous to treatment. Just be sure to tell your physician which ones you’re taking.
Q: Does a vein procedure require a hospital stay?
Practically all procedures to treat superficial venous insufficiency are performed in a physician’s office and require minimal downtime (if any) with few postoperative restrictions. No hospital visit or overnight hospital stay is required.
Q: How long is the recovery period for endovenous treatment?
In most cases, you can return to your regular activities immediately as long as you avoid strenuous activity for several days. It is recommended that you refrain from exertion, heavy lifting, or hot tubs within the first five days.
Q: Are there other treatment options in addition to endovenous therapy?
Additionally, helpful treatment options include the use of compression stockings, herbal medications, and the implementation of lifestyle changes and prevention techniques under the supervision of your doctor.
Q: Once I am treated, will venous insufficiency symptoms go away?
The heaviness, fatigue, aching, throbbing, itching, and swelling that come with venous insufficiency are immediately alleviated. In some cases, veins may take a few months to completely disappear.
Venous Insufficiency Treatment in Irmo, South Carolina
At South Carolina Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, we provide comprehensive care for a vast range of conditions, including venous insufficiency. We combine our team-based approach with sophisticated on-site services, allowing you to move seamlessly from evaluation to treatment.
To receive the effective treatment you need, please contact us today by calling (803) 749-1111 or use our convenient and secure online form.
